Education

Writing an educational article about something you want to learn about may be one of the best ways to study a topic. The Feynman Technique—which I recently discovered may have been coined by Scott Young—helps you understand anything by pretending you are explaining the concept to a child or someone who has no prior knowledge of it. A great way to do this is to write an introductory article about what you want to learn. This is what I’m doing every week at Ness Labs, and you can do it as well. So what does a perfect educational article look like?

The perfect educational article is the one that helps you understand a new concept, and helps teach it to your readers as well. As such, it needs to start from the fundamentals and gradually go into the more complex concepts. It also needs to be practical and offer ways to take one’s learning further if they wish to.
1. Provide a step-by-step explanation
Writing an educational article is akin to writing a story, where you take the reader on a journey of exploration and discovery. Instead of dumping everything in the first few paragraphs, break down the explanation into several sections. Imagine a ladder with each incremental step bringing the reader and yourself closer to a satisfactory understanding of a concept. (I’m saying satisfactory because a complete understanding is not possible, which is why self-education is so fun, there is always more to learn)
One section should only correspond to one idea. If you start writing about a related but different idea, just create a new section. By using an outlining tool such as Roam, you can move the sections around easily. When you’re proofreading your article, make sure the narrative flows naturally.
2. Make it visual
“A thousand words leave not the same deep impression as does a single deed,” once said Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright and theatre director. As with many adages, years of paraphrasing turned it into a modern version which bears little resemblance with the original quote, and which you are probably familiar with: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Have you ever fallen into a Wikipedia rabbit hole? While it may be detrimental to your short-term productivity, such curious wanderings are still amazing experiences. I’m personally extremely grateful I can read about a topic, easily discover connections with other themes, and follow my curiosity just by clicking on links.
Knowledge in isolation is useless. The goal of learning is to form new insights, not to accumulate facts. Make sure to provide context around the concept you are writing about. This can be as simple as linking to other related concepts, which is particularly helpful when these concepts have been covered in a previous article. Doing so will help the readers and yourself progressively create a mental map of the topics you have learned about.
Interlinking concepts is a form of study. You can start this process in your note-taking app by linking new notes to previous notes. Some applications like Roam also feature bi-directional linking and a knowledge graph, which make it even easier to explore topics within a wider context.
When writing an educational article, pay attention to keywords related to topics you may have written about in the past, and link back to these so readers can also follow their curiosity and build better mental maps.
4. Suggest practical applications
A great way to solidify one’s knowledge is to put it into practice. However, readers discovering the topic for the first time may not know where to start. Do include a few pointers so they can put what they just learned into practice.
For instance, if you wanted to put into practice what you’re currently reading, you could take a topic you recently learned about, and write a short educational article to publish on your blog, send to your newsletter subscribers, or even—if you’re like my dad—just email to friends and family. Even better, make this a weekly habit, and you will look back in a year with more than fifty educational articles, and a lot of interesting, contextual knowledge in your thinking toolbox.

A typical master’s program at a US university now demands an investment of ₹24 lakhs to ₹96 lakhs, placing international education beyond the reach of most middle-income families.

This financial barrier becomes even more challenging as education costs continue to rise annually. Traditional funding sources like family savings or property mortgages often fall short, leaving many qualified students unable to pursue their academic goals. However, the study abroad loans are changing this narrative.

In this article, we will understand the growing demand for study abroad loans and explore how modern lending solutions are facilitating accessible international education.

Rising Popularity of Study Abroad Loans

The aspirations of Indian students are fueled by increased awareness of global opportunities. This has triggered an unprecedented surge in foreign university applications.
A CRISIL report estimated that the overseas education loans portfolio will exceed ₹3 trillion by 2028.
The approach to financing international education has also transformed. According to the HSBC survey, 40% of Indian families now prefer education loans over traditional funding methods like liquidating savings or selling assets.
This reflects not just changing attitudes toward educational financing but also the growing availability of tailored loan products that address diverse student needs.

Why Study Abroad Loans Are Becoming Indispensable

Several factors have made study abroad loans an essential component of international education planning:
High Costs of International Education
International education demands substantial financial planning beyond tuition fees. In the US, living expenses (₹8-15 lakhs annually), health insurance (₹1-2 lakhs), and other costs can be overwhelming for families.
Even courses in emerging destinations like Canada or Australia require investments exceeding ₹1 crore, making external financing crucial for most aspirants.

Favourable Loan Features

Modern lending platforms have revolutionised education financing through innovative solutions. Competitive interest rates, flexible terms, and repayment options are designed to accommodate the borrower’s future earning potential.
Further, most lenders offer moratorium periods, allowing students to secure employment before beginning repayment.

Ease of Availability

Digital transformation has revolutionised loan accessibility. Advanced systems enable paperless applications and quick verifications, reducing processing time from months to weeks.
Students can now complete their entire loan application process remotely, with real-time tracking and automated assessment systems streamlining every step.

Government Support

The Vidya Lakshmi Portal has centralised education loan access, connecting students with multiple lenders through a single platform.
Other government initiatives include interest subsidies for eligible students and special schemes for merit-based admissions, making loans more affordable for deserving candidates.

5 Key Features of Study Abroad Loans

Study abroad loans are designed to cater specifically to the needs of international students. Here are the essential features that make them a preferred choice:

1. Comprehensive Coverage

Modern education loans extend beyond basic tuition coverage. These financial solutions encompass the entire spectrum of international education expenses, including living costs, travel expenses, health insurance, and study materials.
Many lenders also offer forex services, helping students manage currency fluctuation risks effectively.

2. Collateral-Free Options

Reputed universities often qualify for collateral-free loans up to a certain limit. Students admitted to institutions ranked in the top 100 globally can often secure higher loan amounts without property collateral, making premier education more accessible.

3. Grace Period Benefits

Most lenders offer a moratorium period covering the entire duration of study plus 6-12 months after course completion. This grace period ensures students can focus on their studies and secure employment before beginning loan repayment.

4. Attractive Interest Rates

Interest rates for study abroad loans range between 8.5% and 11% per annum, depending on the institution and loan type. Most lenders offer concessions to female students, economically weaker sections, and merit-based admissions.

5. Tailored Options

Lenders now provide flexible repayment structures based on future earning potential. Options include step-up EMIs, extended tenure, and partial prepayment facilities without penalties.

These customised repayment plans help students manage their loan obligations effectively.
Major Challenges in Securing Loan
Despite the benefits, obtaining a study abroad loan can be challenging for students due to various factors:
Stringent Eligibility Criteria
Academic excellence alone doesn’t guarantee loan approval. Lenders scrutinise multiple factors, including standardised test scores, university rankings, and course employability.
Co-applicant financial strength plays a crucial role, often becoming a barrier for talented students from modest backgrounds.
High Processing Fees
The initial costs can be substantial, with processing fees ranging from 1-2% of the loan amount along with GST.
Additional expenses include application fees, forex charges, and various administrative costs, adding a significant burden before the study program even begins.
Limited Coverage for Ancillary Costs
While loans cover tuition fees, many lenders restrict funding for additional expenses. Living costs, travel expenses, and study materials often require supplementary financing, creating unexpected financial gaps for students.

Currency Fluctuation Impact

International education expenses face constant forex risk. A depreciation in the rupee can significantly increase the actual cost of education.
Many students struggle with higher-than-anticipated EMIs due to adverse currency movements during their study period.
Facilitating Study Abroad Loans: Lenders’ Role

For financial institutions and lenders, study abroad loans present a lucrative opportunity:
High-Value Loans: The substantial costs of international education translate into higher loan amounts, generating significant interest income for lenders.
Low Default Risk: Students from prestigious institutions often secure well-paying jobs post-graduation, reducing the likelihood of defaults.

Supportive Government Policies: Government-backed loan schemes and subsidies reduce risks for lenders, making the segment more attractive.

Key Takeaway

Study abroad loans have become essential enablers of international education dreams. As global education costs continue to rise, efficient, technology-driven lending solutions become increasingly crucial.
Finezza’s comprehensive lending platform helps financial institutions streamline their study abroad loan operations. The loan origination system enables quick processing of education loan applications while maintaining thorough risk assessment.
The platform also integrates advanced analytics for evaluating academic credentials, employment prospects, and co-applicant creditworthiness.
Furthermore, the document identification framework facilitates paperless applications, automated verifications, and efficient disbursement management, making the entire process seamless for both lenders and students.

A well-organized home office isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s a key to staying productive and stress-free. Whether you’re working remotely, managing household responsibilities, or pursuing creative projects, a clutter-free workspace makes everything easier.

Why is home office organization important?

The most fundamental reason to organize your office is to make it simpler to locate what you require at any time. However, there are many more reasons to organize, and the majority of them can make life easier. As mentioned earlier, home office organization can lead to increased work productivity and efficiency. Having a neat and organized area to work in can help free your mind and improve your focus. You will also be able to work more efficiently and quickly because you will know where everything is. Additionally, getting organized makes cleaning easier. Clutter makes it difficult to carry out basic cleaning tasks, so taking the time to arrange things where they need to go will help keep your work area spick-and-span.
You’ll spend more time in your office and be more motivated to complete tasks if your workspace is neat and pleasant to work in. With any luck, this motivation will spread to more than just work.
1) Categorize and color-code supplies and documents
The foundation of a well-organized office is knowing where everything belongs. Start by sorting through your workspace and dividing your items into categories. Group things like paperwork, supplies, and tech equipment in separate groups. Keep or archive anything you need for work and get rid of everything else. Give items that are still in good condition to a library, school, or other charity. Utilize color-coding to make your system easier to navigate after categorizing everything. Assign specific colors to your categories. For example, use blue for financial documents, green for client files, and red for important household paperwork. Color-coded organization labels are a great way to keep your system visually clear and easy to follow.
Avery’s customizable color-coded labels make categorization simple while adding a polished, professional touch to your office.
Two images side by side. Left image shows an organized home office desk and printing area with neatly labeled containers. In the right image, shelves in an organized office hold storage bins and containers with labels for a clean and productive workplace. Get organized with the right label. Removeable neon labels are perfect for finding what you need at a glance, while tags are great for tying around the handles of bins and storage boxes.
2) Make use of the right supplies for your business. When it comes to keeping your office in order, having the appropriate tools can make all the difference. Storage bins, shelving units, and desk organizers are essential for maintaining a functional workspace. Maximize vertical space by adding shelves for books, office equipment, or decor. These not only keep things tidy but also add visual appeal to your workspace.
In order to get the best labeling results for your home office organization, it’s important to use the right label for your needs. By using the right supplies, you’ll streamline your office and ensure everything stays in its place. A quick look at some of the labeling options available from Avery to help you organize your office: Best materials for labeling home office storage
Plastic storage bins work best with ID labels that can be easily removed because they stick well and come off cleanly. Glossy clear film feature translucent material that gives a modern, “printed-on” look when used on clear containers and/or desk organizers
Fabric labels that don’t need to be ironed are safe for the washer and dryer and work well on cube storage, canvas bins that fold up, and other fabrics. Printable tags attach easily to wire or natural baskets and bins
Barbell labels are perfect for keeping cords & cables sorted
Pro tip: Don’t get rid of old storage containers because of stubborn labels from last time you organized. We have a few expert tips for removing old labels, and you can use the same block-out labels that businesses use for rebranding to freshen up your office storage.
3) Create functional work zones
The next step in home office organization is to designate different areas for different tasks. For example, complete everyday work tasks at your desk, and dedicate a different area to seasonal tasks or tasks that require equipment that’s a pain to put away.

Emerging role models and the importance of language and tone
Words have power. They serve a variety of purposes for us, including educating, illuminating, persuading, debating, encouraging, reassuring, and informing. Unfortunately, they are also used to divide, to target, to manipulate, to intimidate, to scare and to expose.

Our work as international educators becomes even more crucial and pressing when those in positions of authority use words for these purposes. As we watch world leaders face challenges and opportunities we may not have imagined, the implications of their behavior for future leaders are vast, and the role models we choose to emulate will play a crucial part in shaping new approaches to leadership.

Today’s young people are very aware of the language and tone used by leaders in government. They may wonder, “Is this how to lead?” What are the implications for the next generation of world leaders? Who are the new role models?
It is our job to help young people make sense of the language and tone adopted by leaders, which can and is significantly influencing public perception. How are we helping emerging leaders understand the power of their words and the importance of communicating effectively?

Some might say that too many of us are now working in a reactive mode. (Startled, certainly.) But if the opposite of reacting is being silent, this is not a time to be silent as educational leaders.

At CIS, we’re keenly focused on ensuring our own response to recent changes is supportive of the diverse contexts represented in educational institutions across our global membership community … in 124 countries.
In truth, communities across the world continually adjust their programs and tools to their local context; this is the work of international educators.

Shifting policies & regulations

Educational institutions and the students they serve are being affected in multiple countries as governmental regulations are changed and challenged, and so too are diplomatic relationships. We don’t know how and when these will reach some form of stability or take new shape. We at CIS constantly communicate with educational associations, accreditors, and government agencies all over the world to stay up to date on policy changes and how they affect the educational communities we serve and support. Over the past weeks, we’ve participated in multiple conferences and meetings that included representatives from the U.S. The United States Department of Education Department of State, and leaders of U.S. regional and independent school accreditation agencies. These interactions are vital as they help us understand related concerns and challenges faced by schools and universities.

The primary concerns we’re hearing include:

the impact of changing regulations in the United States related to diversity, equity and inclusion, with direct links to the provision of governmental funding

potential enrolment impacts on schools serving internationally mobile families and governmental workers due to policy changes and agency cuts

the uncertainty facing students planning to attend universities in other countries due to potential changes in immigration policy, new restrictions on academic content and recruitment programs, and what they can expect when they arrive
worldwide effects on educational communities Numerous inquiries from our members regarding the current diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and the appropriate terminology for discussing identity have resulted from these regulatory changes. Restrictions on the use of particular terms in education are not new anywhere in the world. For many years, we’ve guided schools and universities to address national or cultural restrictions on the use of certain content due to location-specific laws or norms.

New restrictions are making a broader impact

Last month, one country blocked access to the CIS website, our membership portal information and resources due to a blog posted on the CIS Perspectives blog that raises awareness and offers guidance around aspects of gender and identity. The blog content was featured by a local newspaper as contradictory to the country’s national law.

Since they began in February, ongoing regulatory changes in the United States are having an effect on educational funding and programs this month. They are focusing on institutional practices and the language used to emphasize the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These changes are being implemented at pace and with a scope many did not expect, causing uncertainty and worry. International study choices are already being impacted voluntarily and involuntarily.
We’re prioritizing cross-sector dialogue among schools and universities to ensure we have up-to-date information as global partnerships and relationships are examined.

Early in April, the 2025 CIS Summit of University and School Leaders will convene in Leiden, the Netherlands. As we bring members of our global community together, our focus will be on the continuity of care across educational sectors. We will look at the current forces impacting international education, and together with leaders from partner organizations, curriculum and assessment providers, and international credential evaluators, we’ll consider what we can do together and how we can most effectively support each other across sectors and professions.

Values and authenticity: Our commitment to ethical behavior

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to upholding our values and code of ethics, which are strong, clear, and unchanged.
The CIS Code of Ethics guides our behavior and decision-making as educators and should be shared with regulatory bodies that may question curriculum or practices. We are bound by local laws while respecting human rights, the dignity, and equality of all individuals, groups, and cultures.

Kids’ minds develop surprisingly between the ages of one and eight, which makes this a basic window of time for tutoring. Youth wellbeing, security, and schooling work on a youngster’s possibilities arriving at adulthood’s full formative potential and connecting completely in friendly, social, and monetary life.

Various examinations and bits of information have met up to support this declaration. To begin with, research in neuroscience has exhibited that early encounters may either give serious areas of strength for a powerless starting point for a youngster’s ensuing learning, improvement, and conduct. This implies that the climate affects the construction of the mind. Second, research has shown that programming for youngsters and youths gives higher monetary profits from speculation than those for grown-ups and teenagers.

What is Youth Instruction?

Showing small kids is formally alluded to as youth training. All the more exactly, it alludes to organized and unstructured instructive drives that help kids’ turn of events and development during their preschool years (birth to mature five). Youth Instruction (ECE) incorporates an expansive scope of exercises pointed toward supporting small kids’ social and mental improvement before kindergarten passage. While certain projects focus on planning understudies scholastically for school, others take a “entire kid” move toward that burdens mental and profound wellbeing.

Significance of Early Instruction for a Kid’s Turn of events:

Giving kids the apparatuses they need to develop into deep rooted students is the objective of youth schooling (ECE). These apparatuses incorporate social, profound, and mental improvement methods. Coming up next are the most pivotal capacities for youthful understudies to gain:

Language and Proficiency: The improvement of education capacities is predicated on language. A kid’s energy for books and perusing improves when they figure out how to talk.
Thinking: Youngsters apply and acquire an understanding of numerical thoughts and strategies for tackling issues.
Poise: The ability to suitably communicate and get a handle on one’s feelings.
Fearlessness: Youngsters are more anxious to attempt new things when they have self-assurance and feel competent.
Mental Turn of events:

Youth mental improvement is significant for various reasons, including the way that it lays out the structure for tutoring and learning. The capacity to reason, think, and take care of issues is fundamental for scholastic accomplishment. It portrays how a kid’s intellectual capacities —, for example, discernment, consideration, memory, language, critical thinking, thinking, and independent direction — create and develop over the course of time.

At the point when gained in a youth instructive setting, mental abilities can work on a youngster’s capacity to get a handle on their feelings, talk obviously, and structure associations with others. Furthermore, they are bound to have more noteworthy confidence and a decent mental self portrait. It is urgent for cultivating the development of indispensable fundamental abilities including critical thinking, decisive reasoning, and navigation. These capacities are fundamental for outcome in all parts of life, including connections and work.

Interactive abilities:

Youth training assumes a significant part in showing kids how to cooperate really with companions and grown-ups. During these early stages, kids acquire vital interactive abilities that will help them all through their lives. They work on sharing, alternating, and cooperating, which assists them with creating solid correspondence and participation abilities. Collaborating in an organized instructive setting permits youngsters to shape companionships, resolve clashes, and figure out normal practices, establishing the groundwork for solid connections later on.

Profound Development:

Early training is additionally fundamental for profound development. In a steady learning climate, kids figure out how to comprehend and deal with their feelings. They foster close to home guideline abilities, which assist them with adapting to dissatisfaction, nervousness, and other testing sentiments. Also, early schooling advances versatility, empowering kids to return from mishaps and adjust to new circumstances. Educators and guardians give the sustaining support that youngsters need to fabricate a positive mental self portrait and close to home prosperity.

Language and Education:

One of the vital advantages of youth training is the improvement of language and proficiency abilities. During these years, youngsters are presented to a rich language climate that encourages their jargon and correspondence capacities. Early openness to perusing and narrating improves their language abilities as well as sparkles their creative mind and imagination. These exercises are crucial in planning kids for future scholarly achievement, as coarse speech and education abilities are basic for mastering across all subjects.

Establishment for Deep rooted Learning:

Youth schooling lays the foundation for long lasting learning and scholastic accomplishment. Research has shown that youngsters who go to quality early training programs perform better in school, have higher graduation rates, and are bound to seek after advanced education. The abilities and information acquired in youth give a strong groundwork that supports proceeded with instructive development and improvement. Putting resources into early schooling is an interest in a youngster’s future achievement and prosperity.

By effectively taking part in your kid’s initial training, you can assist them with building areas of strength for a for future scholar and individual achievement. Youth training is a fundamental stage in getting ready kids for the difficulties and open doors that lie ahead.

In August, students in Britain will figure out their outcomes for GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQ (professional specialized capabilities) tests.

In front of results day, schools, universities and appraisal focuses ought to contact understudies straightforwardly to let them know how and when to gather them. They’ll likewise have the option to respond to any inquiries you have in front of the day.

This is the very thing you really want to realize about test results this year.

When is GCSE and Level 1/2 VTQ results day 2024?
GCSE results day is on Thursday 22 August.

Results for Level 1, Level 1/2 and Level 2 VTQs will likewise be accessible prior to this date.

Typically, students will actually want to go to their everyday schedule and gather their outcomes in person where they can get counsel from their educators.

On the other hand, schools will send results to understudies in the post or by email.

When is A level, T Endlessly level 3 VTQs results days 2024?
AS level, A level and T Level outcomes day is on Thursday 15 August.

Results for VTQs at Level 3 taken close by or rather than A levels, for example, BTECs, will be delivered to students at the very latest Thursday 15 August.

Results can be messaged or sent in the post, yet it’s really smart to go into the everyday schedule to accept your outcomes so you can get support from educators and profession counselors to examine your choices, particularly assuming your outcomes could influence your arrangements for September.

Assuming you’re applying to college through UCAS, you can follow your application on the web.

How have tests been reviewed since the pandemic?
Somewhere in the range of 2019 and 2022, we saw a huge expansion in the quantity of passages getting top grades, because of disturbance brought about by the pandemic.

Last year saw a re-visitation of pre-pandemic evaluating game plans, and generally speaking public outcomes were like those of 2019. Ofqual have affirmed that they are going on with typical reviewing this year.

This is critical to ensuring test capabilities are trusted – it implies that colleges and bosses figure out the exhibition of applicants, genuinely believe in their capabilities, and can utilize them to assist them with advancing into the perfect times.

How would it be advisable for me to respond assuming that I’m disheartened with my outcomes?
Your everyday schedule and your instructors will uphold you if don’t obtain the outcomes you expected or on the other hand assuming that your arrangements change in view of the outcomes you get.

Keep in mind, there are various energizing choices to take after school and school.

If don’t get the GCSE results you were expecting, you can figure out additional about your choices here.

Also, on the off chance that you’re stressed over not come by the outcomes you really want for your college course, you can figure out additional about your choices here.

In the event that you really want assistance or counsel around your test results or following stages, you can call the Public Vocations Administration helpline to talk to a professions consultant on 0800 100 900.

In the event that you’re having a focused on or restless outlook on tests and you’re matured 18 or more youthful, you can likewise call Childline free of charge on 0800 1111 or visit online to get support.

Ofqual has likewise made this useful aide for understudies on adapting to test pressure which offers guidance and backing on adapting to test tension and stress.